SURPRISE ENCOUNTER

Yesterday I was surprised

at meeting with an old friend.

He was as I remembered him—

full of enthusiasm,

at ease, and happy.

I had long forgotten

the pleasure of his smile

and the love we once shared.

For, dark have been the days

in the long years since last we met—

years stalked by a brooding stranger

who closed cold night

between the two of us.

Until in sweet surprise,

just yesterday, I met again

my brother

who could smile.